the apartment from which he had been summoned, and
we followed him. It was small and nicely furnished, but not a South-Sea
curio or native weapon was to be seen in it. Then we followed him to the
corresponding room at the back of the house. This was upholstered in the
latest fashion; but again there was no sign of what Beckenham had led us
to expect we should find. We were completely nonplussed.

"I am afraid we have troubled you without cause," said the Inspector, as
we passed out into the hall again.

"Don't mention it," the owner answered; "I find my compensation in the
knowledge that I am not involved in any police unpleasantness."

"By the way," said the Inspector suddenly, "have you any idea who your
neighbours may be?"

"Oh, dear, yes!" the man replied. "On my right I have a frigidly
respectable widow of Low Church tendencies. On my left, the Chief Teller
of the Bank of New Holland."

"In that case we can only apologize for our intrusion and wish you
good-morning."

"Pray don't apologize. I should have been glad to have assisted you.
Good-morning."

We went down the steps again and out into the street. As we passed
through the gate, the Inspector stopped and examined a mark on the
right-hand post. Then he stooped and picked up what looked like a
pebble. Having done so we resumed our walk.

"What on earth can be the meaning of it all?" I asked. "Can his lordship
have made a mistake?"

"No, I think not. We have been cleverly duped, that's all."

"What makes you think so?"

"I didn't think so until we passed through the gate on our way out. Now
I'm certain of it. Come across the street."

I followed him across the road to a small plain-looking house, with a
neatly-curtained bow window and a brass plate on the front door. From
the latter I discovered that the proprietress of the place was a
dressmaker, but I was completely at a loss to understand why we were
visiting her. As soon as the door was opened the Inspector asked if Miss
Tiffins were at home, and, on being told that she was, inquired if we
might see her. The maid went away to find out, and presently returned
and begged us to follow her. We did so down a small passage towards the
door of the room which contained the bow window.

Miss Tiffins bade us be seated, and then asked in what way she could be
of service to us.

"In the first place, madam," said the Inspector, "a serious crime has
been perpetrated, and I have reason to believe that it